Balogun’s goal helps USA to title, striker seeks new move as Inter and Milan show interest

Arsenal striker Balogun, making just his second appearance since switching his national team allegiance from England, grabbed the second goal for the US after Chris Richards had headed them in front in the 12th minute.

The US have won both of the Nations League tournaments held in the CONCACAF region and will now look for a regional double in the Gold Cup later this month.

Both goals were created by midfielder Gio Reyna, a player who found himself involved in the off-the field sagas surrounding head coach Gregg Berhalter, who was re-appointed on Friday.

Reyna’s perfectly floated corner was firmly headed in by Richards, who arrived at the back post with little close attention from the Canadian defence.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder then set up Balogun’s maiden goal for his new team, bursting out of midfield before slipping the ball through the defence and into the path of the striker who confidently drove home.

“I’m just over the moon we were able to win tonight,” said Balogun.

“It’s going to take time to build relationships with my team-mates. I’m just delighted that (the goal) helped us to win this game. I’ve only been here a short time, but I feel like I’m part of something big and it’s a great feeling,” he added.

Despite their midfield being weakened by the absence of first choices Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, the Americans were dominant for large stretches.

Reyna had to go off at the interval with an ankle injury and the US looked less fluent without him but they showed plenty of spirit to neutralise Canada.

“We got the result tonight and we put in a top performance once again. We fought, we battled,” said captain Pulisic.

“It’s another step in the right direction. It’s just going to be about these knockout games come those big tournaments – Copa America, World Cup – when times get tough we’ve got to step up, score the goals when it counts and keep them out of our goal. We did a good job of that tonight,” he said.

Meanwhile,  Balogun will refuse to go out on loan again and says the club will either have to play him or sell him as he looks for resolution over his future

Balogun had a brilliant season on loan at Stade de Reims, scoring 21 goals in Ligue 1.

That has attracted interest from clubs across Europe with the forward still just 21 years of age.

Arsenal already have Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah competing for the No 9 position and could look to cash in on Balogun's form to fund their moves for other targets.

And Balogun, who has two years remaining on his deal, wants a resolution on his future. 

'What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again,' 

'I'm not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place, I'm not sure what's going to happen.

'But I'm just committed to now, I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family.'

Balogun, who previously had a loan spell with Middlesbrough, is a product of Arsenal's academy and has made 10 first team appearances. 

Both Inter and Milan have been linked with the 21-year-old, who is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until June 2025.

The Nerazzurri director Piero Ausilio reportedly asked for information about the USMNT international during his trip to London last week, when he also sat down with Chelsea directors to discuss Romelu Lukaku and Kalidou Koulibaly.

The 21-year-old is one of Milan’s targets in attack alongside Marcus Thuram, Lois Openda and Alvaro Morata.